![]() On the contrary, Jack + Eliza write utterly hummable, heart-tugging melodies, and cuts like the Teenage Fanclub-esque "Oh No" and the lilting "Secrets" are, as with most of the songs on Gentle Warnings, unforgettable tunes that you want to play again and again. That might sound like style over substance, but it's not. Smartly, Staffen, Callahan, and Zane do little to dress up Jack + Eliza's sound and instead focus on adding textures, like the subtle tambourine on "Quarter Past the Hour" and the fuzzy, perfectly timed guitar line that plays over "Diamonds." And while you sometimes have to listen hard to make out the lyrics - as they are often doused in tube-amp echo and the pucker of a slapback Fender Stratocaster - what Jack + Eliza are saying often doesn't matter as much as the sun-soaked romantic vibe. These are yearning songs delivered with a half-lidded, optimistic attitude. ![]() Although Jack + Eliza are literally just two people, and there are no pounding drums or gigantic band arrangements here, the impression Gentle Warnings leaves you with is definitely that of a rock band - albeit one with warm sand in their toes and lovesick dreams on their minds. Part of this dichotomy stems from Jack + Eliza's simple musical formula, which basically means they strum their electric guitars while singing thick resonant harmonies on some of the sweetest, most romantically dew-laden songs never to come out of the Brill Building in 1965. Lucia, Penguin Prison), Jack + Eliza's debut album, 2015's Gentle Warnings, is a gorgeously minimalist yet somehow still lushly atmospheric album. Produced with subtle precision by Chris Zane ( Passion Pit, St. Deeper than the actual 60s pop music that it emulates, the music is richly harmonic and as satisfying as salt water taffy.Featuring the talents of guitarist/vocalists Jack Staffen and Eliza Callahan, New York duo Jack + Eliza are one part harmony vocal folk group and one part lo-fi indie rock band. Readers looking for something to put a smile on the face, perhaps while driving with the wind in your hair, this is a good album. Readers looking for some kind of esoteric hipster folk music are in the wrong place. The album is bookended nicely with “Secrets” and “Heading West” as arguably the best tracks. Probably the most “bubble gum” of the pop offerings on the album, it’s good in the way that “Secrets” is. Chipper, witty, and endearing, it’s about striking out on an adventure for love. The final track “Heading West” is a celebratory anthem. The least “beach” feeling on the album, it’s still easily a vintage flavored track. ![]() It’s an intriguing track that’s about obsession in relationship, but not in a creepy way. I’m pretty sure they kept “Floodlights” in the same key as the song that precedes it. In other words, it might sound like beach music, but this isn’t the theme song for your beach party. I can’t count how many strangers you let in…” Layers of complexity, it’s clearly a song with a sweet California sound and a deeply-emotional core. They were all awkward.) Anyways, “I don’t mean to be taking you over, but I can’t stand when you leave through the back door. (Oh seriously, don’t act like you ever had comfortable, normal slow dances in high school. Featuring a female lead vocal and a handsome dose of duo harmonies, the song has more of the awkward-high-school slow dance feel to it. “So Open” is a song full of relational angst. Seriously this song should be playing in one of those vintage clothing shops. “Hold it right there… don’t you want to keep me on the line?” The lyrics on this one feel a bit antiquated. Usually reverb makes vocals soar (like Adele), but these just sound quaint. ![]() But what doesn’t make sense (in the best way possible) is that they also sound intimate and a little bit adorable. I’m not sure if it’s some sort of vocal effect in the recording process to create the reverb on the voices, but it makes them sound bigger and more powerful than they probably are. “Hold the Line” again highlights some pretty wonderful harmonies. ![]() It was the first track I heard on the album and hooked me from the start. The guitar on it takes listeners back to the 60s but the lyrics keep it new and exciting. So their early release single is a poppy love song “Secrets” that drips with teenage emotion. Play with guitar, piano, ukulele, or any instrument you choose. Trust me on that one! The album will be out on September 23, so get ready to grab a copy for yourselves. Dm C Gm Am Bb Chords for Jack and Eliza - Hold The Line (Lyrics) with Key, BPM, and easy-to-follow letter notes in sheet. They are not only a band to keep an “ear” out for… they’re a band you’re going to adore from first listen. Feeling fresh and authentic, Jack and Eliza do vintage right in their debut EP. With left coast 60s guitar swagger and Beachboys-esque harmonies, their sound is reminiscent of the California sun. Okay so that tag line might be a bit much. ![]()
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